The Celtics hit the practice floor on Monday and it was a long, tough session. Al Horford called it a harder practice than training camp, and says he's happy with how the guys looked. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal gets into that and the difference this team is already showing from last year's team. Plus, hear Brad Stevens talk about how this team compared to his expectations and Joe Mazzulla's progression as a coach.

Boston Celtics practice 'harder than training camp'; Brad Stevens speaks

Locked On Celtics podcast is your daily ticket to stay ahead of the game and the first to know the latest news, analysis, and insider info for the Celtics and the NBA. Hosted by Boston Sports Journal beat writer John Karalis, the Locked On Celtics podcast provides expert, local analysis from a former basketball player who is at all practices and games. The Locked On Celtics podcast takes you beyond the scoreboard for the inside scoops on the biggest stories from within the Celtics locker room and all over the NBA. The Locked On Celtics podcast is part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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The Celtics got another relatively easy win over the Miami Heat in Game 4 of their opening round series, thanks to 38 points from Derrick White. But the bigger story is losing Kristaps Porzingis to a calf injury in the first half. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal explains why Game 5 is now a must-win closeout game because of the injury. Plus, why the defense was good enough, and why their game plan against the Heat takes away any math advantage Miami is hoping for.

Boston Celtics win Game 4 in Miami, lose Kristaps Porzingis to calf injury

The Celtics answered Miami's adjustments in Game 3 and played a great game. Can Boston keep their heads and do what's necessary to close this series? Can Miami get out of the season-long habits that crept back in during Game 3? How do the Celtics avoid taking the bait when Erik Spoelstra tries to keep Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown from distributing to Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis and the rest of the Celtics? John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal and Locked On Heat host Wes Golberg get together for a crossover preview of Game 4.

Boston Celtics back in control of series? Miami Heat out of answers? Game 4 crossover preview

The Celtics dominated Game 3 with their defense, holding Miami to only 84 points and keeping them from getting anything substantial from the 3-point line. John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal gets into the big bounce-back game for Boston, how their defense dominated, how Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White were able to supplement Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and more.

Boston Celtics defense shuts down Miami Heat in Game 3 win

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had big games but didn't get enough help from Kristap Porzingis, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday. Can that turn around in Game 3 against the heat? On this special crossover edition, the hosts of Locked On Heat and Locked On Celtics come together to preview Saturday's big Game 3 in Miami. Wes Goldberg, David Ramil and John Karalis discuss the biggest storylines for each team including the pressure on the Celtics and whether Miami's Game 2 formula is repeatable before breaking down the adjustments they expect each team to make.

Boston Celtics practice 'harder than training camp'; Brad Stevens speaks

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